We're doing some restoration on our own property removing deceased trees and trimming back brush. This Elm tree has been deceased since last summer as you can see from the bark easily falling off.

Elm is often referred to as oriental oak given the close resemblance of the bark and wood.

Here's a close up of the wedge cut on another deceased Elm that we removed. The wedge is the first cut in directional falling that helps "steer" the direction the tree will fall. This Elm was among other brush that had to be removed first to safely fell the tree.

Due to the lean of both Elms and proximity to buildings, we chose to use a method of felling called "bore" cutting. This method requires plunging the chainsaw bar into the tree behind the hinge, leaving a section of the tree intact on the opposite side of the hinge.

Utilizing wedges in addition to the strap of wood opposite the hinge, helps control the felling of the tree. It also prevents a dangerous situation called a barber chair.

Barber chairs can hurt or kill a feller when the wood explosively kicks out due to the relief of stress when being cut.

Our favorite part of the process is milling up the logs into lumber on our portable bandsaw sawmill. Enjoy some of the photos from the process with this slideshow.